New Zealand Travel Guide

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Shopping

Special purchases include distinctive jewelry made from New Zealand greenstone (a kind of jade) and from the beautiful translucent paua shell. Maori arts and crafts are reflected in a number of items such as the carved greenstone tiki (a unique Maori charm) and intricate woodcarvings often inlaid with paua shell. Other items of note include woolen goods, travel rugs, lambswool rugs, leather and skin products.

Shopping hours: All shops and businesses are open Mon-Sat 0900-1700, as a minimum; there are local variations but many stores and most malls are also open Sun 1000-1300. In resorts, most shops are also open in the evenings.

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD; symbol: NZ$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents.

Note: In November 2006, the New Zealand Reserve Bank introduced new, smaller 50, 20 and 10 cent coins. The 5 cent coin has been phased out. Old coins can only be exchanged at the Reserve Bank.

Currency Exchange

Exchange facilities are widely available throughout New Zealand.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are common.

Travelers Checks

Can be exchanged at official rates at trading banks, large hotels and some shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Australian Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency, subject to declarations for cash amounts of NZ$10,000 upon departure or arrival.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0930-1630, except public holidays.

Exchange Rate